Meet Joe

I’m Joe Anderson, leader of Liverpool Labour, and Mayor of Liverpool. I am fiercely proud of the city of Liverpool and the people who work and live in it. I want what is best for our city, and I want to see Liverpool thrive as the international city it deserves to be.

But Liverpool faces tough times. The Lib Dem / Tory coalition government have hit Liverpool with deeper cuts than any other city in the country. Without a doubt facing the most difficult period in its long history. We’re facing £156m of cuts over the next three years on top of the £176m that we’ve already had to suffer. This means that Liverpool is facing a 58% reduction in Government grants. Reductions imposed by a Government made up of millionaire Ministers far removed from reality, who are more interested in attacking the poorest and the weakest in society than looking for a fairer solution. It is those very same millionaires who are making the weak and poor pay for the bonuses and tax cuts for the rich. The Tories are kicking and the Lib Dems are holding their coats.

I am angry at the way the Government have treated Liverpool. David Cameron and Nick Clegg tell us that ‘we’re all in this together’, when it seems that they’ve left Liverpool in it more than anywhere else.

I want to do what I can to protect the most vulnerable people from the worst of the Government’s cuts. I also want to campaign and fight back against the Coalition’s cuts.

These cuts are going to make things very difficult – there is no doubt about that. But together we will get through it and together we will move forward.

I am incredibly proud to be Mayor of Liverpool. This is not only my home but it is the home of my children and Grandchildren. I will continue to do everything I can for the City and its people.

There is no doubt in my mind that the best days lay ahead for Liverpool. Despite their best efforts, this Lib Dem/Tory Government will not knock us down. Liverpool will continue to grow and continue to be the envy of the world.